A10. What is the difference between Articles, Regulations, Standards and Guidelines?

All the provisions of the MLC, 2006 whatever their name, must be complied with by ratifying countries or, in the case of its Guidelines, be given due consideration by them when implementing the Convention [see A12.]. The main difference between these provisions is that the Articles contain more general statements of principles, obligations and rights with the specific details set out in the Regulations and the Code. The Articles also contain provisions relating to the legal aspects of the operation and application of the Convention such as definitions, the status of Regulations and of Parts A and B of the Code, the procedure for amendments and entry into force and the establishment and operation of the Special Tripartite Committee under Article XIII [see A22.]. The main difference between the Regulations and the Standards and Guidelines is that the Regulations are subject to a different amendment process and are normally worded in more general terms, with the details of implementation being set out in the Code (i.e., the Standards and the Guidelines).

General questions about the MLC, 2006